Edinburgh restaurateurs and Slow Food Edinburgh launch fat themed suppers
Slow Food Edinburgh has teamed up restauranteurs, Victor and Carina Contini, to launch a new series of fat-themed suppers across the capital this spring.
Article Source: Taste Communications
Last Updated: 13 February 2020 15:27
Slow Food Edinburgh has teamed up restauranteurs, Victor and Carina Contini, to launch a new series of fat-themed suppers across the capital this spring.
Starting at Contini George Street in Edinburgh on Tuesday 18th February, the series of ‘Big Table Slow Food suppers’ will explore the history around the fats used in cooking around the UK and the role of fat on our menus today.
Diners will get an insight into how olive oil was introduced to the British Isles during the Roman occupation and how it was used extensively until being replaced with butter after the Norman invasion in the 11th century. People will also learn more about how lard was used as a substitute for butter during World War Two, but has been a staple of our Italian regional cooking for centuries.
Industry experts will discuss the health benefits of valuable Omega 3 fish oil, the bad fats in our modern diet, along with fad fats, such as coconut oil, avocado oil, rapeseed oil and the devastating impact of certain palm oils.
From 6.30pm on Tuesday 18th February, Edinburgh foodies can look forward to an evening of food and wine with Carina Contini and special guest speaker Sofia Di Ciacca. Sofia is o will be talking all things olive oil and the benefits of using it when cooking. This ‘supper’ menu will include chargrilled seasonal Italian vegea Scots-Italian olive oil producer from I Ciacca in Picinisco, Lazio, whtables served with a Bramata polenta, salted anchovies and I Ciacca extra virgin olive oil, as well as olive oil pistachio and rose water cake with crème fraiche.
On 24th March from 6.30pm, Nick Sinclair from The Edinburgh Butter Co. will be the guest speaker at Cannonball Restaurant & Bar on Castlehill, where butter and cream will be the star ingredient. This ‘supper’ menu will include roasted parsnip velouté and crème brûlée.
From on 21st April from 6.30pm, Sorina Savascu from East Coast cured will be making sure that beautiful pig fat, lard, is anything but a greasy topic at The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery. This ‘supper’ menu will include Aberdeen buttery baked with Biggar Blue walnuts and poached pear, East Coast Cured Pork belly with Kitchen Garden leaves and pickled beetroot and suet pudding with custard.
Carina Contini, owner of all three Contini restaurants in Edinburgh, said: "Now that Veganuary is over, we're really excited to be ditching the fad diets and putting 'good fat' back on the menu with this new series of fat-themed suppers at each of our city-centre venues.
"Fat is anything but a greasy topic. We want to encourage people to celebrate 'good fat' and make sure that it's showcased on our menus, including the best Scottish butter, cream and lard, as well as extra virgin olive oil from Italy."
As third generation Italian Scots, Victor and Carina Contini continue to champion independent family businesses in Scotland with their award-winning venues; Contini George Street, Cannonball Restaurant & Bar on Castlehill and The Scottish Cafe & Restaurant at the Scottish National Gallery.
The Edinburgh restaurateurs still buy from some of the producers their grandparents worked with, source produce direct from the markets in Italy and change their menus with the seasons. They also stay true to their Italian Scots roots and maintain tradition and authenticity as part of their food-centric philosophy to attract custom and tourism to Edinburgh.
Slow Food Edinburgh is the second largest Slow Food group in Britain. Its activities and events underline the Slow Food ethos of GOOD (quality, flavoursome and healthy food), CLEAN (production that does not harm the environment) and FAIR (accessible prices for consumers and fair conditions and pay for producers).
Continis is a supporter and member of the movement and its chefs are members of the Slow Food Cook's Alliance, an international project that connects and supports chefs following the Slow Food philosophy.
Eleonora Vanello, Co-chair of Slow Food Edinburgh, added: “Learning about the history and use of ‘fat’ in Scottish gastronomy is going to be a fascinating topic for our first residency of Slow Food Edinburgh Big Tables at Contini venues in Edinburgh. We can't wait to taste Carina Contini’s good, clean, fair creations.”
Tickets for the new fat-themed ‘Big Table Slow Food suppers’ at Contini venues across Edinburgh are now available from £20 per person for Slow Food Edinburgh Members and £22.50 per person for non-members, including two courses and a small glass of wine. To book and for more information, visit: www.contini.com/whats-on/slow-food-big-table-suppers-at-contini-venues
Sponsored Links
Latest Edinburgh News
Much loved classic Scottish play, The Steamie, is set to return to venues in 2026
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Medea to tour Scotland in 2026
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Former courthouse and jail completes multi million pound transformation
Edinburgh-based Code The Court has unveiled a new attic floor of signature boutique hotel rooms, marking a major next step for the landmark venue overlooking the historic Parliament Square.
READ MORE
18 million success for Lost Shore just one year after opening
Lost Shore Surf Resort has firmly established itself as one of Scotland’s most exciting tourism success stories, already generating an £18 million boost to the Scottish economy.
READ MORE
The Ivy on the Square unveils festive set menu for 2025
From traditional Turkey Ballotine to a tangy Tamarind Beetroot & Endive Salad the festive set menu brings the best of festive flavours, reimagined by The Ivy across two or three courses.
READ MORE
The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired The American Dream by Sir Grayson Perry
The National Galleries of Scotland has acquired Sir Grayson Perry’s The American Dream for the people of Scotland.
READ MORE
Christmas Magic Returns to The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh
Step aboard and unwrap the magic of The Royal Yacht Britannia in Edinburgh's Port of Leith this Christmas.
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre prepares for an exciting season of pantomimes across Scotland
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Tesco customers in Edinburgh can spread festive joy by gifting toys this Christmas
From today until the 15th of December, Tesco’s Edinburgh Hermiston Gate Superstore is holding a collection for new and unwrapped toys for the Salvation Army’s Toy Appeal.
READ MORE
Virgin Hotels Edinburgh Black Friday Offers
From 5 star stays to chef’s table feasts and afternoon tea with bubbles, Virgin Hotels Edinburgh offers unforgettable experiences at unbeatable value this Black Friday.
READ MORE
Step into the magic at Dobbies Garden Centres
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Locals urged to get interactive on World Kindness Day
To mark World Kindness Day, the team at Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) is encouraging more people to show compassion, unity and kindness to others through voluntary work.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble announce projects for Spring and Summer 2026
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Free community energy advice event taking place tomorrow in Edinburgh
Free face-to-face energy support comes to Edinburgh as nearly a third still don’t seek help when struggling with bills.
READ MORE
Wingstop UKI opens first restaurant in Livingston
Monday 10th November : Wingstop UKI, the restaurant brand that doesn’t play when it comes to flavour, today opens its first site in Livingston.
READ MORE
Flight Club Launches BRAND NEW Game Inspired by a Party Classic
This week, Flight Club, the lively cocktail and Social Darts bar, is launching a brand-new game, available to play in all venues for the first time on Friday, 14th November.
READ MORE
Scottish and international traders make Edinburghs Christmas Market sparkle with festive magic
The countdown to this year’s Edinburgh’s Christmas attractions has begun, with the much-loved Christmas Markets in East Princes Street Gardens opening this Saturday 15 November.
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is turning up the Christmas cheer with its first ever festive Supermarket Sweep
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Hidden treasures of Murrayfield
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Collective announces 2026 programme
Collective announces an unmissable programme of exhibitions for 2026, spotlighting ambitious new projects by artists who have developed their practice in Scotland.
READ MORE
Rare female cheetah arrives at Edinburgh Zoo
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) has welcomed four-year-old female cheetah Domino to Edinburgh Zoo from Zoo de Cerza, France.
READ MORE
Santa clocks in early: Scotland shift heroes among 30,000 invited to claim free festive meal
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
Festive days out to make the most of the season
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
November and December at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh
From Christmas to Artist in Residence, discover Virgin Hotels Edinburgh's events taking place in this festive season!
READ MORE
Edinburgh Small Businesses shine as part of small business roadshow
Independent businesses in Edinburgh celebrated as part of Small Business Saturday’s Tour highlighting the nation’s favourite businesses
READ MORE
SAY Award winner announced as Kai Reesu
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE
Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh open in Edinburgh this month
Two immersive experiences which bring the work of a pair of iconic artists to life in mesmerising and moving fashion are set to open in Edinburgh this month.
READ MORE
The many worlds of Stephen King return to Vue this autumn
As the The Long Walk wraps up in cinemas, fans of Stephen King can look forward to seven classic re-releases heading to the big screen this autumn.
READ MORE
First ever Letters Live cinema events comes to the Big Screen in Edinburgh this week
A very special cinema event is coming to Edinburgh this week, comprising a preview of a brand-new film, a world-renowned literary event and an appearance from a BAFTA-winning actor.
READ MORE
Flight Club Edinburgh launches limited edition Winter Menu and Festive Brunch
Flight Club Edinburgh kicks off Christmas party season with the unveiling of its specially curated limited-edition menu and festive celebration-worthy bottomless brunch.
READ MORESponsored Links
Sponsored Links